Hand-cranked egg beaters were invented around the time of the Civil War (American, not English or Spanish). There were lots of different kinds, including ones that clamped onto cans and other far-out innovations. But the kind most familiar today, where you hold the top/side with one hand and crank with the other, is called "Dover" style, after the Dover Stamping Company that popularized them. Those were firmly established in the United States by 1890.

A "Dover" style egg beater from the turn of the Century

The Ecko "Best" Egg Beater came out in 1946, and as you can see, not much has changed.

Now, I swear by hand-cranked egg beaters.  Sure, we have an electric mixer, and for cakes and such, those are handy.  But if I just want to beat an egg or get some quick whipped cream, there's nothing nicer than to be able to whip out my Ecko.  Plus, it's good exercise!

This is actually my second egg beater; the one I had for decades finally gave up the ghost a while back.  I don't know the manufacturing date of this particular Ecko as I got it at a second-hand store. 

I do know that's an older one, however.  The bearings and pinions of the new Eckos are made of Delrin and Nylon plastic; ours are naked stainless steel.  They still have smooth operation, though—a testament to their design I guess.  I imagine they'll last forever, too!  Indeed, except for having to glue one of the plastic handle covers back on after it fell off in the dishwasher, it has given me years of excellent service.